Classic Swiss Alps Walk

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
The pretty village of Kandersteg sits in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where the great arc of the Alps culminates in some of its highest and most spectacular peaks. Awe-inspiring and dramatic, the area epitomises the 'chocolate-box' Alps: lush green pastures and lowland slopes carpeted bright with wildflowers against a backdrop of rugged mountains - all ...
$2,781
From$2,060
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Have spectacular views of the region: Eiger, Jungfrau, Matterhorn, Monch
    • Hike along well-marked trails amongst stunning Alpine flowers
    • Relax in a friendly, family-run hotel with heated indoor pool, sauna and excellent cuisine

What's this trip about?

    The pretty village of Kandersteg sits in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where the great arc of the Alps culminates in some of its highest and most spectacular peaks. Awe-inspiring and dramatic, the area epitomises the 'chocolate-box' Alps: lush green pastures and lowland slopes carpeted bright with wildflowers against a backdrop of rugged mountains - all topped off with sun-glistening glaciers. A stay here uncovers the very best of the region: the stunning Oeschinensee mountain lake enclosed by towering cliffs; the hidden Gasterntal Valley with its glacial meltwaters thundering down a narrow gorge, and an Alpine pass that has been used since Celtic times. Did we mention the spectacular views? One moment you will be spellbound by the glacial legacy, whilst in another it will be the cobalt blue of the Oeschinensee that will take your breath away. Woodlands, pine forest and open meadows are decorated with lady slippers, fire lilies and more than 25 varieties of scented orchid, where you walk to the the tuneful ringing of cowbells. With the company of the occasional swooping eagle, it is easy to feel on top of the world. Amazingly, all this is accessible on well-defined paths directly from the hotel or after a short bus or cable car ride. On arrival at the 3 star Seiler's Vintage Hotel (formerly known as the Hotel Alfa Soleil), your hosts, the charming Seiler family, will provide you with the Kandersteg Regional Travel Pass giving you unlimited use of cable cars and the local bus service. They'll also ensure you receive a full introduction to the area, including insider tips on where to spot the best alpine flowers! When you feel like a rest from walking, there's an elegant lounge, swimming pool, sauna, solarium and gym to keep you entertained. In the evening you can relax and enjoy regional dishes and fine wines in Nico's restaurant. NB: Some gondolas/cable cars do not operate in early/late season when alternative walks will be proposed.Breathtaking natural beauty: snow-capped peaks, emerald-green slopes, amazing turquoise lakes, meadows thick with flowers

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 6 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityKandersteg
End CityKandersteg

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alps

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Independent

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 1

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 6

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, picnic or light restaurant lunches and 4 course evening meal
    • Briefing at the start of your trip
    • Headwater Navigation App
    • Kandersteg Gueastcard (for discounts at local sites and attractions)
    • Regional Pass (for travel on local buses and cable cars)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive in Kandersteg

Arrive at the 3 star Seiler's Vintage Hotel, well known locally for its excellent cuisine and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner which is included all week along with picnics or light restaurant lunches. Below is a suggested itinerary for the week but you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk each day.

Day 2 Allmenalp

This easy-going walk to start your week begins with a spectacular cable car ride (included) up to the Allmenalp, a colourful meadow brimming with rural mountain charm. There are stunning views across the valley to towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Conti...

Day 3 The Gasterntal and the Klus Gorge

This super walk begins with an exhilarating 20-minute minibus ride (fare included) along a narrow road carved out of the rock wall. The UNESCO-recognised Gasterntal is Kandersteg's 'hidden valley', with snow-fed waterfalls splashing down sheer cliff faces. After an op...

Day 4 Lake Oeschinensee

Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Bernese Oberland, Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Switzerland. After a short ride up on the gondola lift (included), follow a marvellous mountain path up to the Heuberg Viewpoint and picnic spo...

Day 5 Blausee Blue Lake

A gentle hour's stroll takes you down to the Natural Park of Blausee - the Blue Lake (50% discount on entry with short boat ride). Here you can wander through verdant woodland around the little lake, visit the organic trout farm and enjoy a drink on the lake terrace before returning to the hotel.

Day 6 Daubensee and Gemmi Pass

The Sunnbuel cable car (included) whisks you up to nearly 2,000m to begin today's walk. Enjoy refreshments at the renowned Schwarenbach Hotel, where Lenin and Picasso have signed the visitors' book. It's then on to the Daubensee and the famous high Gemmi Pass (2,322m)...

Day 7 The Sudrampe

Today starts with a 25-minute train ride (payable locally) through the Lotschberg mountain rail tunnel (14km long) to Hohtenn. The walk takes you high above a youthful River Rhone, through a landscape of gorges and hidden side valleys - and small hillside villages boa...

Day 8 Leave Kandersteg

If pre-arranged, return to Zurich via Kandersteg rail.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,060
Price per day$258
Last Updated: 4/7/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
31 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$2,300
$2,683
07 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$2,405
$2,788
08 Jun 2025
15 Jun 2025
$2,445
$2,828
14 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$2,165
$2,548
21 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$2,405
$2,788
28 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$2,405
$2,788
05 Jul 2025
12 Jul 2025
$2,510
$2,893
12 Jul 2025
19 Jul 2025
$2,615
$2,998
19 Jul 2025
26 Jul 2025
$2,615
$2,998
24 Jul 2025
31 Jul 2025
$2,615
$2,998

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Alpine adventure with gourmet delights

A wonderful weeks walking in the Swiss Alps, azure lakes nestled amidst towering ice-capped crags and gourmet dining. Even with mixed weather a wonderful getaway. ...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Recommend

I was a bit hesitant to take a self guided tour, but I am glad I did. The hotel staff was great and the fact that food was included with the package made it a fant...

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Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

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Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

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Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Excellent service

Excellent service

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Roger hil

Apr 2025

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Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

D

Dave

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Holiday cost reduced after I’d booked on it…

Booked a holiday which included my loyalty discount. Just checked the website and the trip I’m booked on has had its price reduced, which is pretty frustrating. Perh...

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas
    • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
    • Transfers (if booking a land only package)

Accommodation

7 nights at Hotel Alfa Soleil 6 days walking; averaging 5 hours per day Altitude maximum 2322m, average 1100m
The Seiler's Vintage Hotel (formerly known as the Hotel Alfa Soleil) The Seiler's Vintage Hotel is a traditional, cosy and family-run hotel on the edge of the village (only 5 minutes' walk from the centre) with a wonderful view over fields to the mountains behind. The restaurant is managed by owner/chef Nico Seiler and has an excellent reputation and is rated highly by Headwater customers so you will enjoy fine dining whilst staying here. There are 30 rooms on three floors; all rooms are en-suite and have a television, telephone and hairdryer. For the evenings, the hotel has a cosy lounge bar with a pool table and music desk which is open to both hotel guests and the general public. There is also a large lounge area for residents with an open fire where you can relax for a quiet chat or with a book, or to play one of the hotel's board games.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All meals are included throughout the trip, including picnic lunches. For dinner enjoy regional dishes and fine wines in Nico's restaurant. At the beginning of each set of notes we advise on the lunch situation and suggest good picnic spots. You can obtain supplies daily from the hotel's picnic buffet or you can return to the hotel for a light lunch. We suggest you to carry 1-5 litres water per person, there are often benches for resting and admiring the views. There are also mountain restaurants with sun-trap terraces. With such a mixture of language and tradition co-existing in such a small country, it is no wonder that there are so many regional dishes. In the Bernese Oberland, Austrian and German influences predominate; gastronomic local delicacies include geschnetzeltes Kalbsfleisch (veal in a rich cream sauce), Kandersteger Bratwurst au Mad re-Jus (roast sausage with a Madeira sauce), Lammbraten gefüllt mit Kraütern (herb roasted lamb) and smoked pork with sauerkraut, and a selection of colourful salads. Typical desserts include Caramel-Birne mit Rum-Sabayon (caramelised pear with a rum sabayon) and Aprikosen-Symphonie (apricot gateau).
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-W07AF

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